H. Res. 524, H. Res. 525. Sense of the House Resolutions/Vote to Allow Consideration of a Measure Expressing the Sense
of the House that Congress Should Enact Republican Welfare Overhaul Bill and Repeal the Estate Tax.

The House and Senate have been unable to find common ground on legislation to overhaul the welfare system and repeal the estate tax. On this vote, Republicans sought to move the previous question (thereby ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on a rule to allow debate on a bill expressing the "sense of the House" that agreement should be reached on welfare and estate tax legislation (sense of the House resolutions are non-binding and lack the force of law). Progressives opposed the resolution because they objected to provisions contained in both bills. In the welfare bill, for instance, Progressives opposed language which would deny benefits to legal immigrants. Moreover, in the view of Progressives, repealing the estate tax would disproportionately wealthy individuals; low and middle income taxpayers, conversely, would not benefit from the estate tax repeal. The motion to move the previous question was adopted by a 214-202 margin.